Seoul:U.S. Senator Dave McCormick emphasized South Korea's potential as a "real partner" in providing shipbuilding capacity to the United States, urging quicker action on Seoul's planned investments in the U.S. shipbuilding sector.
According to Yonhap News Agency, McCormick made these comments during a press conference in Seoul. He highlighted that closer cooperation in shipbuilding would help the U.S. rebuild its industrial base while offering Korean companies enhanced access to the U.S. market. This partnership, he noted, would reduce reliance on supply chains, especially those involving China.
McCormick cited Hanwha's investment in Philly Shipyard and Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel as examples of initiatives that could spur a "renaissance" in Pennsylvania's shipbuilding industry. Hanwha Ocean's U.S. expansion aligns with South Korea's "Make American Shipbuilding Great Again" initiative.
When asked about President Donald Trump's request for South Korea to construct 10 military vessels for the U.S., McCormick expressed uncertainty about the timeline but supported exploring a greater role for Korean shipbuilders. He emphasized the importance of Korea as a partner in enhancing U.S. shipbuilding capacity.
South Korea has committed $350 billion in U.S. investments, with $150 billion earmarked for the shipbuilding sector. McCormick welcomed this but stressed the urgency of faster implementation, noting that Japan had moved more swiftly on similar investments.
During his visit, McCormick aimed to reinforce the strong alliance between Seoul and Washington, acknowledging potential disagreements but underscoring the relationship's significance for security in Asia. He also discussed the need for fair treatment of U.S. tech companies in South Korea, referencing a dispute involving Coupang Inc.
On international relations, McCormick supported maintaining communication channels with North Korea, emphasizing the need for skepticism regarding the intentions of China and North Korea. His itinerary in South Korea included meetings with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul, and business leaders, as well as visits to Hanwha Ocean's shipyard and the Demilitarized Zone.